The stag was approx. an 8 hour hunt up and down hills, nothing extremely strenuous that a person in good shape could not handle. I took him with 2 shots, 180 gr. Accubond from my Rem. SPS 700 300WSM. The shot was from about 120 yds. and the second shot was merely a security shot. Both entrance holes were within an inch. The Tahr was a different game as I had to flown upinto the NZ Alps to hunt this animal. I could have taken a high fence one but wanted the to actually hunt for this majestic animal. Shot at him on the run at maybe 90 yds., 1st shot behind the shoulder, 2nd broke his hips, 3rd I missed entirely. BTW, he was setting still when I missed him all together, figures. My fourth put him down for good. Did very little pelt damage and he will be a full mount. The sheep hunt was easy, my wife, my guide and I went up above the lodge after having seen a mob, the NZ people call groups or herds mobs, we had to get above them as they were somewhat wary and I took him with one through the shoulders. He will be a shoulder mount as will the Red Stag.
We hunted, mostly just shot, wallabies from a UTV in an area where there are approx. 10-20 wallabies to the acre. These are NZ pests and their population has grown to great numbers. There is no season, no shooting restrictions, no bag limits, etc. I use the outfitters CZ .223 with 55 gr. HP to kill 15 with 17 shots. Not much of a challenge but lots of fun. We are having a rug done with a couple.
I booked with Gary Herbert NZ Hunting. His lodge, the food, the staff, the guides and all are top shelf! I would recommend his outfit to anyone. New Zealand is a picture perfect environment that most would enjoy. The exchange rate is in our favor but things seem a little expensive, but well worth the $$$$. I hope to be able to take my grandson to NZ in the future. I would like to make it possible for him to take a stag and a Tahr. It was truly a grand adventure. MTG
